I wanted to explore a new city in Turkey other than Istanbul. I am a nature lover, so I wanted to help clean forests. I also like to walk and enjoy being outdoors. I have volunteered before with Happiness Volunteers in Istanbul and enjoyed their warm atmosphere. I also love Turkish culture, food, and traditions.
Alumni Spotlight: Nicola Gahud
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Happiness Volunteers assisted me every single step of the way. From inquiry until I was back with my certificate. They assisted me with airport pickup and drop off, accommodation, two daily meals, where and what to do during free time, the volunteering program, and reflecting on my emotions of homesick feelings.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Listen to all instructions given by the local coordinator and keep it real. Bring your comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot. Bring your own hiking tools. Do not consider buying stuff from touristic places, as they are usually 3 times the normal price. Read carefully the list of do's and don't mention in the manual.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
I wake up at 7. I usually work out in my room. Breakfast is ready. I ate at 9. We start moving at 10 towards our volunteering area by bus. We start trekking and looking for plastics until 3. We eat a branch out there in the forest. We move back to the city bus, and around 5, I am out and about. Exploring the city with the local coordinator.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I already love my mindset, so there is no much to be changed. However, the usage of plastic is one of the major things that this trip helped reduce. I also learned a lot about Turkish culture and language thanks to the coordinator, who taught me several words and phrases. I connected with nature a lot which is something that I loved doing in this program.